CHRISTIE RETURNS FROM INJURY |RENATA CHALKS UP 50
The Battle of the Bombays takes centre stage on Saturday night as the Blues host the Chiefs at Eden Park at 7:05pm in the final round of DHL Super Rugby Pacific regular season action.
The playoff standings are far from confirmed heading into the final week of round-robin matches. The Blues have their fate in their own hands – a bonus point win would secure top spot on the ladder for the club.
Halfback Finlay Christie makes his return to the Blues 23 this week after recovering from a persistent groin injury, he will look to make an impact from the bench with Taufa Funaki retaining the starting jersey.
Blues tighthead prop Marcel Renata gets his chance to chalk up 50 games for the club, after getting ruled out late two weeks ago against the Highlanders.
Blues Head Coach, Vern Cotter is pleased to welcome several troops back for the match against the Chiefs.
“We’re happy to welcome a couple of key boys back this week in Caleb, Dalton and Fin, they’ve been bouncing around the facility all week and can’t wait to rip in on Saturday,” said Cotter.
The remainder of the Blues team has a familiar feel to it, with Ricky Riccitelli returning to claim the starting hooker spot with Kurt Eklund providing support from the bench.
Caleb Clarke is back on the left wing and AJ Lam shifts into second five-eight for the match in an otherwise unchanged backline.
Cotter made an honest assessment of where the team are at heading into this weekend’s clash with the Chiefs.
“Our performance wasn’t good enough last week, we know that, we’ve talked about it and we aim to improve it against the Chiefs,” said Cotter.
“This game is crucial in determining the playoff standings – I would be encouraging anyone in the Blues region to head along on Saturday night, this game has the potential for real fireworks,” he said.
Blues:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Ricky Riccitelli
Marcel Renata – 50th Blues cap
Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
Sam Darry
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papali’i
Hoskins Sotutu
Taufa Funaki
Harry Plummer
Caleb Clarke
AJ Lam
Rieko Ioane
Mark Tele’a
Stephen Perofeta
Reserves:
Kurt Eklund
Joshua Fusitu’a
Angus Ta’avao
Cameron Suafoa
Adrian Choat
Finlay Christie
Corey Evans
Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Lucas Cashmore (hamstring), Bryce Heem (calf), Jordan Lay (ankle, season), Laghlan McWhannell (concussion protocol), Zarn Sullivan (knee)
MATCH DAY INFO:
EASY ACCESS: Travel on buses to and from the stadium is free from 3:30pm by showing your match day ticket. Click here to plan your journey with Auckland Transport. Due to planned maintenance Buses replace Trains on all lines on game day.
GATES OPEN: 4:00pm - Grab your free Blues flag at gate entry.
CURTAIN RAISER: Auckland Metro Police v Waikato Police - kick off 4:25pm.
CHEAP FEEDS: 20% early bird discount on food purchases from Eden Park retail outlets from 5:00pm - 5:30pm.
THE BLUE MILE: 5:35pm Blues Players arrive at Gate A - welcome the team off the bus as they walk through the concourse.
LIVE MUSIC: There will be live music at the ‘Tuatara Container Bar’ on the West concourse.
LIVE COMMENTARY IN YOUR SEAT: You can listen to live audio commentary from your mobile phone using 4G. Livefeed offers near real-time audio, ensuring you never miss a single try, penalty or ref’s call. Just head to blues.livefeed.fm once you’ve arrived at the stadium and don’t forget to bring your headphones!
BLUES MERCH: Purchase online so you’re ready to show your support – head to shop.blues.rugby or check out our merchandise outlets at Eden Park.
BLUES HOSPITALITY: The Level 4 and Centenary Lounges will open at 5:30pm. However ticket holders are welcome to watch the Curtain-raiser from the Level 4 balcony prior to the lounges opening.
GIVEAWAYS: We’ll have partner activity and giveaways on the West concourse thanks to The Rock, KFC and Chemist Warehouse.